Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Cracked; having fissures: Describes an object that has developed visible cracks or splits, often due to damage, pressure, or age, but is not completely broken apart.
   • Damaged; impaired: Describes a non-physical relationship, bond, or situation that has been seriously harmed, showing signs of discord, disunity, or breakdown.

2. Verb (to become cracked; to fracture):

   • To crack; to develop fissures: The process by which an object becomes cracked.
   • To break down; to become strained: The process by which a relationship or unity deteriorates.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Tấm kính cửa sổ bị rạn nứt sau trận bão. (The window pane was cracked after the storm.)
  • Mối quan hệ giữa họ đã rạn nứt từ lâu. (The relationship between them has been damaged for a long time.)

• Verb:

  • Bức tường bắt đầu rạn nứt vì lún. (The wall began to crack due to subsidence.)
  • Sự tin tưởng trong nhóm dần rạn nứt. (The trust within the group gradually fractured.)

Advanced Usage

• Used metaphorically for abstract concepts like trust, friendship, family ties, alliances, or solidarity.
  • Hiệp ước giữa hai nước có nguy cơ rạn nứt. (The treaty between the two countries is at risk of breaking down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rạn (v/adj): to develop fine cracks; to be finely cracked. Often implies smaller, more numerous cracks than "rạn nứt."

  • Chiếc cốc sứ bị rạn nhưng chưa vỡ. (The porcelain cup is finely cracked but not broken.)

• Nứt (v/adj): to split; to cleave; to develop a clear fissure. Often implies a deeper or more distinct split than "rạn."

  • Mặt đất khô hạn nứt nẻ. (The arid ground is split and parched.)

Synonyms

• Cracked: Having lines on the surface from damage.
• Fractured: Broken or cracked, often used for both physical and abstract contexts.
• Strained: Weakened or damaged, typically for relationships.
• Damaged: Harmed or impaired.

Related Idioms

• Rạn nứt tình cảm: A rift in affections; emotional estrangement.

  • Những lời nói vô ý có thể dẫn đến rạn nứt tình cảm. (Careless words can lead to a rift in affections.)

• Mối quan hệ rạn nứt: A fractured relationship.

  • Họ cố gắng hàn gắn mối quan hệ rạn nứt. (They tried to mend their fractured relationship.)

1. be harmed; crack